Roma close gap in pursuit of Betis winger Ezzalzouli

Roma are studying an official offer for Konstantinos Koulierakis, a promising Greek centre-back at Wolfsburg, according to Alfredo Pedullà. Sporting director Tony D'Amico has identified the 2003-born defender as a priority target, with the club's leadership now analysing the financial details needed to structure a formal proposal to the German club. Koulierakis is a key player for Wolfsburg and features regularly for the Greek national team, attracting attention from Premier League and La Liga clubs. The 21-year-old possesses the physical attributes and tactical profile that align with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's system, combining aerial dominance, strength in anticipated challenges, and the aggressive man-marking approach the Italian coach demands. Roma are keen to move quickly and beat rival suitors to secure a prospect already experienced at the highest level, ensuring depth in a central defensive line essential for navigating the season's domestic and European fixtures. Gasperini's squad continues to evolve across multiple areas, with work progressing on the attack and wide positions alongside this defensive reinforcement. Roma view Koulierakis as a high-calibre addition capable of providing rotation at the heart of defence while possessing the maturity to make an immediate impact.

Roma are on the verge of signing Greek central defender Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg for approximately 15 million euros on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old, who played in the Bundesliga last season, will arrive as cover for Mario Hermoso, one of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's key targets in the transfer market. Koulierakis began his career at Paok Salonicco before joining Wolfsburg last summer for around 12 million euros. A left-footed defender standing 1.88 metres tall, he impressed quickly at Paok in the 2022–23 season and earned recognition from the Greek national team, for whom he has made 22 appearances since his first call-up in 2022. Inter enquired about him in January, while Juventus tracked him previously. His defensive strengths include anticipation and aerial play. Koulierakis featured in a friendly against Greece in June and has already established himself as a regular in the national setup. The move to Rome will add depth to Gasperini's backline as the club strengthens its defensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has chosen to wear the number 9 shirt at Roma, a symbolic decision that reflects the Argentine striker's ambition and willingness to shoulder the responsibility of a jersey historically reserved for the club's greatest centre-forwards. The 2004-born forward will have his nameplate read "S. CASTRO" on the back of his shirt, completing the personalisation details ahead of the official announcement of his transfer. Castro's selection of the number 9 underlines his character and leadership qualities as he prepares for his new chapter at the Stadio Olimpico under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The choice carries significant weight in Roma's history, as the shirt has been donned by many of the club's most celebrated strikers. With both the number and nameplate confirmed, Roma's official store is ready to begin custom shirt orders for supporters. The transfer details remain to be formally confirmed by the club, though the personalisation choices suggest the deal is progressing toward completion.